8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? 9 For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? 10 Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest. 11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?

(9:8) Paul describes a major comfort as well as a benefit for those who choose to be cheerful givers. He says that God is able to make all “grace”, which is a word for the gospel, abound towards those who give cheerfully. Apparently God loves those who give cheerfully because He can use people with the right heart motive. The word for “good” means profitable or useful.

(9:9). Paul states that those who give cheerfully will receive God's blessing. To support this statement, Paul quotes Psalm 112:9. This verse basically refers to God providing for the poor and the enduring righteousness of God.

(9:10). Paul once again uses an illustration from the area of farming. Paul refers to God as the one who takes care of the believers’ material needs, namely food. God is the one who can multiply the spiritual seeds of the gospel. Paul makes an excellent correlation between the natural and the spiritual.

(9:11). In this verse Paul once again points them to the root cause of their many blessings, God. This should cause us to give thanksgiving to God. Obviously the Corinthians had much to be thankful for. The apostle Paul had already written them a letter, they had ample material blessings and apparently enough spiritual nourishment. Paul does not to say to thank him or anyone, but he directed the praise directly to God.

How can you be more of a cheerful give today? How important is your heart behind giving as the outward expression of giving?